Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)

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For the third consecutive week, there's a new No. 1 team in Sporting News' NFL power rankings. That also means, for the first time in 2013, there's a new No. 2.

The Broncos have finally ascended to the winners' circle after being stuck in "place." Right on their undefeated heels, however, is another perfect team in their own division. Now the trick is staying 1-2 before their much anticipated first matchup, which comes only in Week 11:

Why they're here: Peyton Manning looked human, and the Broncos looked beatable for the second straight game, but they still managed to deliver enough offense to drag past the Jaguars. Overall, their offense hasn't really been stopped, except by themselves.
How they move down: Keep giving up the big pass plays. The return of Von Miller should provide more of a solution for the front end of the problem.

What's next: at Colts, as Manning comes home to try to beat the only NFL team he hasn't.

Why they're here: The Chiefs keep swarming opponents with their red-army defense, and it blew up into 10 sacks against Terrelle Pryor and the Raiders in Week 6. Anything Jamaal Charles does, they do even better on the other side of the ball.

How they move up: Any Denver slipup before a month from now, plus the Chiefs taking care of business with a favorable schedule, and they would complete a remarkable worst to first climb.

How they move down: They need to get their offense off to faster starts. It was a game with Oakland for a long time until the defense forced enough second-half mistakes. Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery must give Alex Smith more help early.

What's next: vs. Texans, with a chance to attack another struggling offense.

Why they're here: The Saints played 58 minutes of gritty football in New England, but then gave Tom Brady one too many chances. Still, they have showed the past two weeks they can carry their mojo and moxie away from New Orleans.

How they move up: It will be a bit of waiting game, as the Broncos and Chiefs should keep rolling and the Saints have a bye. More impressive road performances would help.

How they move down: If their passing game stays a little out of sync, which was the case when Jimmy Graham was injured vs. the Patriots. They also will hope Graham's health isn't a real concern.

What's next: vs. Bills, a date that should help them rebound at home in Week 8.

Why they're here: The Seahawks didn't exactly blow the Titans away at home like other teams that make the long trip, but they matched them blow for blow physically and came out, as usual, with the bigger punches in the second half.

How they move up: They have five more matchups that will tilt heavily in their favor in the next five weeks before their late Week 12 bye. That's a lot of equity to build before the Saints' showdown.

How they move down: They have been recently inconsistent everywhere from half to half. They need to go back to delivering the complete, dominant games.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) stiff-arm's New Orleans Saints free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (42) as he runs for yardage in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct.13, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne/AP)

Last week: 7

Why they're here: Tom Brady still has that old Red, White and Blue magic, doesn't he? He snatched an important victory from the jaws of defeat against the Saints, who swam with the shark a little too long. It's nice the running game and young receivers keep helping him more.

How they move up: The Patriots can build on the New Orleans game to get on a roll with two critical division games and a home date with Pittsburgh before a Week 10 bye.

How they move down: As well as their offense has been able to get by with Brady, the rushing attack and the remixed receivers, the lingering injuries to tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola are still worrisome.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after scoring on a 35-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

Last week: 6Why they're here: The 49ers have restored their strengths of offensive line, running game and defense—masking the fact that Colin Kaepernick is struggling against teams built to contain him, such as the Cardinals. They're just treading water until they get healthier at receiver to help lift Kaepernick.
How they move up: The 49ers have rediscovered their identity, and should have no problems smashing around Tennessee and Jacksonville to settle back in as a true NFC power before a Week 9 bye.

How they move down: Lean toward Kaepernick again. The Titans' and Jaguars' defense can pose different blitz vs. coverage problems if he remains off his game.

What's next: at Titans, where they will try to solve old enemy Gregg Williams.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks for an opening to pass during the first half of a NFL football game against Green Bay Packers in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass/AP)

Last week: 8Why they're here: The Packers lost some wide receivers in Baltimore, but got enough big plays from Aaron Rodgers and steady running from Eddie Lacy to hold off the scrappy reigning champions. It finally got them back above .500.

How they move up: They get a chance to work on the meat of their division schedule, and everything opens up nicely to make their typical second-half move up the charts.

How they move down: Try to get into shootouts when Rodgers has limited weapons and the defense can't allow teams to benefit from the missing havoc-wreaking of Clay Matthews.

Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) heads off the field after the Bears' 27-21 win over the New York Giants in an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

Last week: 11

Why they're here: It's unofficial. The Bears are an offensive team. With Charles Tillman banged up and the defense not forcing turnovers, the yards are being given up in bunches. Fortunately, Jay Cutler has the passing game humming, well beyond Brandon Marshall.

How they move up: Don't trip up before a Week 8 bye, and come through against their archrivals at Green Bay after that bye.

How they move down: Not be prepared enough for Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris, and have Cutler suddenly succumb to the blitz.

What's next: at Redskins, where it's on Cutler and Matt Forte to burn a bad defense.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, center, calls a play against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) (Denis Poroy/AP)

Last week: 5

Why they're here: The Colts had cracked the top five, but their listless offensive performance in San Diego, partly because their defense got worked over and couldn't get off the field, hurts their ranking. Andrew Luck wasn't let loose as much as he needed to be.

How they move up: The Colts have it right in front of them in their biggest game since Peyton Manning left—against Peyton Manning. It sets up as a potential season-changer.

How they move down: If Luck and the offense struggle again and see a Broncos blowout similar to some of the Colts' bad losses in his rookie season.

What's next: vs. Broncos, in what they hope will be a Sunday night shootout and unhappy homecoming.

Why they're here: The Bengals got that elusive road win, although it took surviving a big Buffalo comeback and working overtime. It was an important emotional lift for a young team to turn the corner for good.

How they move up: It doesn't get any easier, as the next five opponents, three on the road, currently have records either at or above .500. The Bengals can really make a statement as a true AFC contender.

How they move down: Let their road woes kick back in, in what figures to be a slew of close games. They've got to close those out better (see New England and Buffalo.)

Detroit Lions tight end Joseph Fauria (80) celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown catch, his third of the game, against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard) (David Richard/AP)

Last week: 12

Why they're here: They were waiting for Matt Stafford to have his breakthrough big money game in 2013, and the quarterback did just that to make sure the Browns wouldn't catch up in Week 6.

How they move up: Keep Stafford hot with receivers other than Calvin Johnson. It helps that tight end Joseph Fauria has been ready to boost him in the red zone.

How they move down: Start slow and don't find enough in the running game. They need to be wary of being too one-dimensional.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrate a touchdown run by Joseph Randle in the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 31-16. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero/AP)

Last week: 13

Why they're here: The Cowboys needed to beat the Redskins to get their first-place footing in the NFC East, and just as important, further squash Washington's hopes to repeat. Now they put the division lead on the line again at Philadelphia.

How they move up: Dallas has gotten past the rough part of the schedule, as its losses came to the AFC West powerhouse trio of Denver, Kansas City and San Diego. Now they need to keep working on their own East.

How they move down: Stay cold on the road, where they are 0-2 and where they must play three of their next four games.

What's next: at Eagles, where their defense will try to solve Chip Kelly.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dallas Clark, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammate wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. The Packers won 19-17. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass/AP)

Last week: 9

Why they're here: The Ravens continue to go on a roller coaster in their post-Super Bowl season. The defense has remained steady, but the offense has been hampered by mistakes, limited firepower and slow starts. See the Packers loss.

How they move up: As we've seen at the end of last season and into the playoffs, streaky Joe Flacco can get going at any time, and make them look more like champs.

How they move down: If while Flacco plays better, they don't make it a point to feed Ray Rice. When they do enough, they win, and when they don't, they lose.

Why they're here: Hello, Nick Foles. Their offense has found its groove in taking apart the Giants and Buccaneers because of him, and that has them back at .500 with their defense playing much better in the second half to boot.

How they move up: They have shown with Foles that Chip Kelly's attack can be executed at a high level. It's really about protecting the ball, maintaining possession and staying in good position to make big plays on the other side.

How they move down: Lose the road momentum at home, where they are 0-2 and have to play for two consecutive weeks.

What's next: vs. Cowboys, with early control of the NFC East on the line.

San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) powers upfield as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Pat Angerer (51) and defensive back Josh Gordy (27) try to haul him down during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) (Denis Poroy/AP)

Last week: 19

Why they're here: The Chargers have found a good rhythm with Philip Rivers and his young receivers in the passing game, and finally got a rushing attack and some good situational defense to pair with it in the upset over Indianapolis.

How they move up: San Diego can still improve itself in preparation for facing the Broncos and Chiefs twice in Week 10 and beyond. It must get on a streak before then.

How they move down: Struggle to find some consistency with what has worked as they have gone loss, win, loss, win, loss, win already.

What's next: at Jaguars, who shouldn't be taken lightly given what's happened.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) is grabbed by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Houston, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)

Last week: 14

Why they're here: The quarterback situation is a mess, sure, but run defense, penalties and badly losing the turnover battle has taken the AFC South champs from division favorites to real danger of being dethroned.

How they move up: Get a spark from the QB to lift them from their other issues, which hasn't happened with either Matt Schaub or backup T.J. Yates. Maybe it will come from third-stringer Case Keenum, a former University of Houston gunslinger.

How they move down: If they don't better protect the ball and keep putting themselves in challenging down-and-distance situations, despite good work from the running game.

What's next: at Chiefs, a team that can give them all kinds of problems.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick scrambles with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)

Last week: 17

Why they're here: The Titans' aggressive, physical defense has kept them in every game, just like in Seattle. The unfortunate part is not having the versatility of Jake Locker and little punch from a healthy Chris Johnson.

How they move up: Get a win against a good team. So far they're just playing to the schedule with wins over middling Pittsburgh, San Diego and the Jets.

How they move down: The wheels come off offensively and their defense can no longer hold it together. They're headed there with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Johnson.

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands off to Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig/AP)

Last week: 18

Why they're here: Just as impressive as Geno Smith was on the road in Atlanta in Week 6, he couldn't protect the ball in the red zone in a frustrating home loss to Pittsburgh.

How they move up: Help keep Smith's chin up as the quality of opponents is raised again. They should prepare him better for also having two of the next three at home.

How they move down: Smith will face some tricky defenses against New England, Cincinnati and New Orleans. If he's not prepared, they're doomed.
What's next: vs. Patriots, whom they played tough in ugly, rainy Foxborough.

St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) runs back an interception from Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Houston, Texas. The Rams won 38-13. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)

Last week: 24

Why they're here: The Rams got their first complete performance of the season, as their running game set up Sam Bradford for a great day, and their defense returned to ballhawking dominance with Chris Long and Robert Quinn dictating action up front.

How they move up: Bradford needs to stay hot. At times, it looks like a long-awaited breakout season, while at others, it's been head-scratching. They tend to win when he's even just above-average.

How they move down: Keep getting gashed by the run. It will be hard to recover in most games that way.

What's next: at Panthers, against a former NFC West foe from long ago.

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs from San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

Last week: 22

Why they're here: The Cardinals' defense has dialed it up a little with Daryl Washington's return, but their offense's struggles with ill-timed sacks and turnovers (see Carson Palmer) keeps pushing them back to mediocrity.

How they move up: They need to give Palmer as much protection help as possible, and turn Andre Ellington loose as their most talented running back. The schedule opens up a bit in the second half after the Seattle game.
How they move down: Palmer remains an interception machine who makes bad decisions. The quarterback mistakes can be tolerated only so much when other things are working well.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, right, celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a 7-yard run with fullback Mike Tolbert during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (Jim Mone/AP)

Last week: 27

Why they're here: The Panthers are hard to figure out, aren't they? Well, it pretty much comes to creative play-calling and subsequent execution by Cam Newton. When he's on, they sizzle; when he's not, they fade.
How they move up: Keep it in the head of Newton and coach Ron Rivera that every week is a must-win game to ensure job security for 2014. Their aggressive, attack style suits the Panthers well.

How they move down: Resort to playing conservatively, and don't come out flying to the ball.

Why they're here: Terrelle Pryor has been a pleasant surprise heading into their bye, and even in the sackfest at Kansas City, his passing and early running kept the Raiders hanging around for a while.

How they move up: Pryor has run well, but he could use better health and production from the backfield. Darren McFadden, Rashad Jennings or Marcel Reece need to get going to help diversify the offense.

How they move down: They keep putting their big offensive weakness, the line, in harm's way. Quick, short passing and push from run blockers is their only chance.

Why they're here: The Bills didn't look too bad offensively with Thad Lewis, who did his best EJ Manuel impression. They fell just short of the Bengals, however, as their secondary issues came to light.

How they move up: They get running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller rolling. That's really the backbone of their offense.

How they move down: Keep giving up big plays. They intend to bend but don't break, but when they break, it looks pretty bad.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) speaks to Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Atlanta. The Falcons are giving predictably positive quotes about the possibility of Kevin Cone, Drew Davis and Harry Douglas stepping in for the injured Jones at wide receiver. The bottom line came from Ryan, who said "It's tough to replicate what he can do." (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore/AP)

Last week: 21

Why they're here: The Falcons haven't won the close games in which they were so good in when they went 13-3 last season, and now injuries have piled up (Julio Jones, Steven Jackson, Roddy White) making their offense a shell of what it was.

How they move up: They have nowhere to fly but there, and let's hope they found some fill-in answers during their idle week. Coach Mike Smith is right; they must take care of themselves first before worrying about their opponent.

How they move down: Have their confidence shaken and let the early stretch affect their play now. They have a lot of winnable games in the second half, and their two toughest (Seattle, New Orleans) are in the Georgia Dome.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) stiff-arms New York Jets' Kyle Wilson (20) as Antonio Allen (39) falls down on the play during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens/AP)

Last week: 29

Why they're here: The Steelers' long winless nightmare ended with a Steelers-like defensive-minded, Ben Roethlisberger-facilitated win over the Jets. With it, they gained ground on both Baltimore and Cleveland.

How they move up: They are greeted by a remaining schedule that has a lot of bumps, starting with archrival Baltimore. Everyone should know by now that you have to officially eliminate Big Ben's Steelers to make sure they are really out of the playoffs.

How they move down: That schedule could also contribute to sinking them faster. If Roethlisberger isn't on his game, they will slide right back down.

What's next: vs. Ravens, when they can quickly get back into the AFC North race.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero/AP)

Last week: 26

Why they're here: The Redskins had high hopes after the bye that we would see the old Robert Griffin III back in Texas. We did see some of it with his running, but otherwise, the offense kept making big mistakes without the big plays.

How they move up: They have lost last year's formula, but can rediscover it if they get RG3 and Alfred Morris running early, build a lead and allow their blitzing defense to tee off. That seems like a lot to ask.

How they move down: If they let special teams look as porous as their defense. That just keeps adding pressure on RG3 to carry the offense out of sizeable holes.

Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford sits on the bench in the closing minutes of a 35-10 loss to the Panthers in an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) (Ann Heisenfelt/AP)

Last week: 28

Why they're here: Christian Ponder didn't work, and Matt Cassel worked for only one week. Their quarterback play and limited passing potential really doesn't look good when Adrian Peterson is bottled up on top of the defense getting shredded by the pass.
How they move up: They need someone to revive their offense beyond Peterson, and look ready to turn to Josh Freeman soon. Either the change of scenery will make him look good again or just further drag down their QB situation.

How they move down: If Peterson stays contained. Their only chance is big days and nights from All Day, who is now playing with a heavier heart.

Why they're here: The Bucs' losing streak didn't stop against Philadelphia; it just looked worse as their defense fell apart with their second-half offense. Greg Schiano is on the brink of losing all of the team as well as a lot more games.

How they move up: Someone needs to help Doug Martin get on track. The run blocking has been iffy, and Martin isn't running with the same authority and ball security. He needs to rediscover the pop he found midseason as a rookie.

How they move down: Keep putting rookie quarterback Mike Glennon behind the chains and under great pressure without enough help from the ground.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) checks the scoreboard in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Denver. Denver won 35-19. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney) (Joe Mahoney/AP)

Last week: 31

Why they're here: The Jaguars got Denver's attention, as they hung with the Broncos for a half (down 14-12) before not having enough juice to stay with them in the second half. Justin Blackmon's return has them knocking on the door of their first win.

How they move up: Keep feeding Blackmon deep, which has opened up the running game for Maurice Jones-Drew. The key to their offense is better ball security and decision-making from Chad Henne.

How they move down: Try to change up what they're doing
defensively. They are on to a little something, and it will work against less potent passing teams.
What's next: vs. Chargers, traveling a long way after a short week.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing an interception which was run back for a touchdown by Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

Last week: 32

Why they're here: They've been a little sloppier than either Tampa Bay or Jacksonville, and as Eli Manning tries to do too much, he's only making things worse. The Bears game showed the Giants' life with both the pass and run, but the turnovers remained the bugaboo.

How they move up: Keep pounding with Brandon Jacobs, and keep reminding Manning that it's not all about (or on) him to get them a win.